A MAN twice raped a woman in a bathroom after she went back to a house for drinks following a night out, a court has been told.

Dana Ali is also accused of sexually assaulting another woman who was also present at the house in Thornaby by touching her breasts.

The 26-year-old, of Victoria Road, Middlesbrough, denies two counts of rape and sexual assault on February 12 this year and is on trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Prosecutor Shaun Dodds said Ali, who required an interpreter to follow proceedings, accepted sexual activity took place, but claimed it was initiated by the complainants who had fully consented.

One of the alleged victims appeared behind a screen in court to give evidence in the trial which is expected to last up until Friday.